System and Method for Signal Read-Out Using Source Follower Feedback

ABSTRACT

An embodiment amplifier circuit includes a pair of subcircuits that includes a first subcircuit and a second subcircuit, each of which includes a buffer amplifier and a feedback circuit that includes a feedback capacitor. The amplifier circuit also includes a pair of output terminals. The first subcircuit and the second subcircuit each generate a different output signal of a pair of output signals that includes a first output signal and a second output signal. The amplifier circuit is configured for receiving a positive differential input signal at the first subcircuit, receiving a negative differential input signal at the second subcircuit, and receiving the pair of output signals at the pair of output terminals. The amplifier circuit is also configured for transmitting the first output signal to the feedback circuit of the first subcircuit, and transmitting the second output signal to the feedback circuit of the second subcircuit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a system and method for signal read-out, and, in particular embodiments, to a system and method for signal read-out using source follower feedback.

BACKGROUND

Small-scale sensors are used in a wide variety of applications, a few examples of which include microphone systems, blood pressure monitoring systems, and accelerometer systems for, e.g., airbag deployment. To allow the use of sensors to become even more widespread, the size of end products that read out signals from these sensors is continually decreasing.

Additionally, to support the reduced size of these end products, sensors may be implemented using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). For example, mobile phone products, which are becoming more and more compact, especially in thickness, may use MEMS microphone implementations.

Moreover, to further reduce end product size the MEMS sensors themselves continue to shrink. As the package size of MEMS sensors decreases, however, the sensitivity of these sensors may also decrease.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first example embodiment of the present invention, a method for signal read-out is provided. The method includes receiving, by an amplifier circuit, a positive differential input signal at a first subcircuit of the amplifier circuit, where the first subcircuit includes a source follower transistor. The method also includes receiving, by the amplifier circuit, a negative differential input signal at a second subcircuit of the amplifier circuit, where the second subcircuit includes a source follower transistor. The method also includes receiving a pair of output signals at a pair of output terminals of the amplifier circuit, where the pair of output signals includes an output signal of the first subcircuit and an output signal of the second subcircuit. The method also includes transmitting one of the pair of output signals as a first feedback signal to a capacitive feedback circuit of the first subcircuit and transmitting one of the pair of output signals as a second feedback signal to a capacitive feedback circuit of the second subcircuit. The first feedback signal is distinct from the second feedback signal.

In accordance with a second example embodiment of the present invention, an amplifier circuit is provided. The amplifier circuit includes a pair of subcircuits that includes a first subcircuit and a second subcircuit, each of which includes a buffer amplifier and a feedback circuit that includes a feedback capacitor. The amplifier circuit also includes a pair of output terminals. The first subcircuit and the second subcircuit each generate a different output signal of a pair of output signals. The pair of output signals includes a first output signal and a second output signal. The amplifier circuit is configured for receiving a positive differential input signal at the first subcircuit, receiving a negative differential input signal at the second subcircuit, and receiving the pair of output signals at the pair of output terminals. The amplifier circuit is also configured for transmitting the first output signal to the feedback circuit of the first subcircuit, and transmitting the second output signal to the feedback circuit of the second subcircuit.

In accordance with a third example embodiment of the present invention, an amplifier system is provided. The amplifier system includes a pair of subcircuits, each of which includes a buffer amplifier, a feedback circuit that includes a feedback capacitor, and a current bias circuit coupled in series with the buffer amplifier. The current bias circuit includes a current bias transistor having a gate coupled to an output of the feedback circuit. The amplifier system also includes an input node coupled to a gate of the buffer amplifier, an output node, and a feedback node coupled to an input of the feedback circuit. The amplifier circuit also includes a positive differential input terminal coupled to the input node of a first subcircuit of the pair of subcircuits, a negative differential input terminal coupled to the input node of a second subcircuit of the pair of subcircuits, and a pair of output terminals. The pair of output terminals includes a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The feedback node of each of the pair of subcircuits is coupled to a different one of the pair of output terminals. The first output terminal is coupled to the output node of the first subcircuit, and the second output terminal is coupled to the output node of the second subcircuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram that illustrates a amplification system having an amplifier circuit that uses capacitive feedback, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram that illustrates an alternative amplification system having an amplifier circuit that uses capacitive feedback, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram that illustrates a amplification system that lacks capacitive feedback, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates an amplifier circuit that used dedicated gain stages that do not have capacitive feedback, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram that illustrates a MEMS microphone that may be used as an input device of the amplification systems of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates an amplifier circuit that includes adjustable feedback loops, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram that illustrates a Super Source Follower (SSF) stage that may be used in the amplifier circuit of FIG. 4, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram that illustrates an alternative SSF stage that may be used in the amplifier circuit of FIG. 4, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 5C is a block diagram that illustrates an SSF stage that lacks capacitive feedback, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 5D is a block diagram that illustrates a second SSF stage that lacks capacitive feedback, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram that illustrates a control stage for a class AB output loop that may be used in the SSF stage of FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram that illustrates an SSF loop stability compensation stage loop that may be used in the SSF stage of FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram that illustrates a voltage generator circuit that may be used as the reference voltage generator of FIG. 4, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing a capacitive feedback, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a graph that illustrates several differential transfer curves for the SSF stage of FIG. 5A at different feedback capacitances, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a graph that illustrates the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of an implementation of the amplifier circuit of FIG. 4, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a graph that illustrates the simulated Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for different gain configurations of the amplifier circuit of FIG. 4, in accordance with one of a number of embodiments.

Corresponding numerals and symbols in the different figures generally refer to corresponding parts unless otherwise indicated. The figures are drawn to clearly illustrate the relevant aspects of the embodiments and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The making and using of embodiments of this disclosure are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the concepts disclosed herein can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts, and that the specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and do not serve to limit the scope of the claims. Further, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The present invention will be described with respect to embodiments in a specific context, a system and method for sensor read-out for a capacitive microphone sensor. Further embodiments may be used to read out a variety of signal types using configurable amplification or attenuation by a stage having high input impedance.

In various embodiments, an amplifier circuit having a differential or pseudo-differential output and, for example, a source follower topology or a Super Source Follower (SSF) topology, is enhanced with a capacitive feedback in order to have a configurable gain. Relative to a source follower circuit without capacitive feedback, the gain of this differential amplifier may be either a positive-decibel (dB) gain of greater than zero dB, or a negative-dB gain of less than zero dB (i.e., an attenuation). In various embodiments, the amplifier circuit is used to amplify a signal from, for example, a double-back plate MEMS device (e.g., a microphone) where the outputs of the MEMS device are biased in a constant-charge configuration by being connected to high impedance nodes. In various embodiments, high impedance nodes of the amplifier circuit are provided by buffer amplifiers that have a high input impedance and a low output impedance.

In various embodiments, the differential amplifier includes a first subcircuit and a second subcircuit that each includes a source follower transistor respectively providing the positive and negative output signals of the amplifier's differential output. Scaled versions of each of these positive and negative output signals are fed back to gates of respective current biasing transistors included in each subcircuit. These scaled output signals thereby control the amount of current that flows through the transistors of the subcircuit. In some embodiments, the feedback is configured such that the current signal in the current biasing transistor has equal phase with respect to the input voltage signal of the same subcircuit, thus providing output voltage amplification. In other embodiments, the feedback is configured such that the current signal in the current biasing transistor has opposite phase with respect to the input voltage signal of the same subcircuit, thus providing output voltage attenuation.

In various embodiments, the configurable gain or attenuation varies in accordance with the amplitude of the variation of the current through the current biasing transistor and its phase compared to the input voltage signal. In some embodiments, the configurable gain is applied to the differential signal provided by an input device having an output sensitivity S_(a), such that a target total output sensitivity S_(tt1) of the overall system may be achieved. The input device may be, for example, a MEMS microphone that is biased in a constant-charge configuration or constant-voltage configuration and that provides a differential output.

FIG. 1A illustrates an amplification system 100A that includes an amplifier circuit 101A, which uses capacitive feedback to provide a configurable voltage gain. Amplifier circuit 101A includes input stages 102 and 104 that have high input impedances and that read out the output signal from an input device 124 that is included in the amplification system 100A. Amplifier circuit 101A also includes respective output terminals 113 and 115 for each of these input stages 102 and 104. Output terminal 113 provides a first output signal having a voltage V_(out,p) and a current I_(out,p), and output terminal 115 provides a second output signal having a voltage V_(out,n) that is the negative of V_(out,p) and a current I_(out,n) that is the negative of I_(out,p).

A respective feedback capacitor 108 is included in each of input stages 102 and 104 and has a capacitance C_(f). In amplification system 100A, the output terminal 113 is cross-connected to the feedback capacitor 108 of input stage 104, and the output terminal 115 is similarly cross-connected to the feedback capacitor 108 of input stage 102. These cross-connected feedback paths allow the amplifier circuit 101A to provide a relatively increased gain, i.e., a positive-dB gain, as compared to amplifier circuit 101C of FIG. 1C, which lacks feedback.

In other embodiments, output terminal 113 is connected to input stage 102 and output terminal 115 is connected to input stage 104, such that the feedback paths allow the amplifier circuit 101A to provide a relatively decreased gain, or in other words, a negative-dB gain or relatively increased attenuation relative to that of the amplifier circuit 101C.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, input device 124 has an output sensitivity S_(OUT)=S_(a). By configuring the amplifier circuit 101A for positive gain, the amplification system 100A may achieve a target output sensitivity S_(ttl) even when S_(a) is less than S_(ttl).

The amplifier circuit 101A also includes input terminals 116 and 118 that are connected to differential output terminals 126 and 128 of the input device 124. In an embodiment, the amplifier circuit 101A is implemented on an integrated circuit (IC) that may be, for example, an Application Specific IC (ASIC). In such an IC embodiment, input terminals 116 and 118 and output terminals 113 and 115 may be, e.g., contact pads of the IC. In some embodiments, input device 124 is a double-back plate MEMS microphone device such as, for example, a microphone, where the outputs of the MEMS device are biased in a constant-charge configuration by being connected to high impedance nodes. In other embodiments, input device 124 is any circuit having a differential output to be amplified by an amplifier having a high input impedance and a configurable gain.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, each of the input stages 102 and 104 includes a respective current biasing transistor 110 that acts as a controlled current source for a respective source follower transistor 112. In an embodiment, current biasing transistors 110 and source follower transistors 112 may be implemented as Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), and in particular, as p-channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (PMOS) transistors. To provide gate voltage bias and to allow signal swing at the gates of each of current biasing transistors 110, these gates are each connected via a respective high-ohmic resistance stage 122A to a voltage V_(REF1). Voltage V_(REF1) is filtered by low-pass capacitors 107, which each has a respective capacitance C_(p). In each of the input stages 102 and 104, one of these low-pass capacitors 107 is respectively connected between the gate of current biasing transistor 110 and a low-side rail voltage V_(SS). Each of current biasing transistors 110 also has its respective source connected to a high-side rail voltage V_(DD).

Input terminal 116 is connected to the gate of the source follower transistor 112 of input stage 102, and provides it a first differential input signal having a voltage V_(in,p). Input terminal 118 is similarly connected to the gate of the source follower transistor 112 of input stage 104 and provides it a second differential input signal having a voltage V_(in,n) that is the negative of V_(in,p).

Input terminals 116 and 118 are also each connected to a respective high-ohmic resistance stage 122B that is connected to a source follower bias voltage V_(REF2). In some embodiments, each of resistance stages 122A and 122B may have a resistance on the order of, e.g., hundreds of giga-ohms, and may include switchable diodes and/or transistors to allow current to be conducted only when the difference in voltage between the resistance stage's two terminals exceeds a pre-determined threshold.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, each of the source follower transistors 112 has, respectively, its drain connected to voltage V_(SS) and its body interconnected with its source. Also, in each of input stages 102 and 104, respectively, a common output node connects the source of source follower transistor 112 to the drain of current biasing transistor 110. These common output nodes, of input stages 102 and 104 respectively, provide a differential pair of output signals at output terminals 113 and 115 of the amplifier circuit 101A. A capacitive feedback coefficient K_(c) may be calculated from the capacitance C_(f) of each of the feedback capacitors 108 and capacitance C_(p) of each of the low-pass capacitors 107, in accordance with Equation 1 below:

K _(c) =C _(f)/(C _(f) +C _(p))  (Eq. 1)

When output terminals 113 and 115 have an open-circuit condition, the voltage gain V_(out,p)/V_(in,p) and the voltage gain V_(out,n)/V_(in,n) are both equal to the same positive-dB voltage gain A_(v). This open-circuit gain varies in accordance with the amplitude of the variation of current flowing through the current biasing transistors 110, which is the same variation for both input stages 102 and 104. Since each of the capacitive networks formed by feedback capacitors 108 and low-pass capacitors 107 controls the current through the current biasing transistors 110, respectively, the open-circuit gain thus also varies in accordance with the capacitive feedback coefficient K_(c) of Equation 1 above. Equation 2 below shows an approximation for this open-circuit voltage gain A_(v) of differential circuit 101A, where gm_(sf) is the transconductance of each of the source follower transistors 112, and gm_(s) is the transconductance of each of the current biasing transistors 110:

$\begin{matrix} {A_{v} = \frac{{gm}_{sf}}{{gm}_{sf} - {{gm}_{s}k_{c}}}} & \left( {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 2} \right) \end{matrix}$

FIG. 1B illustrates an amplification system 100B which uses capacitive feedback to provide a configurable negative-dB voltage gain for amplifier circuit 101B. Such negative-dB gain may be used, for example, when S_(a) is greater than S_(nt) to obtain the desired system sensitivity.

The only difference from the amplifier circuit 101A of FIG. 1A is that output terminal 113 of amplifier circuit 101B of FIG. 1B is connected to input stage 102 instead of being cross-connected to input stage 104, and output terminal 115 is connected to input stage 104 instead of being cross-connected to input stage 102. The capacitive feedback coefficient K_(c) thus has a reversed sign, as shown in Equation 3 below:

K _(c) =−C _(f)/(C _(f) +C _(p))  (Eq. 3)

Amplifier circuit 101B therefore provides a negative-dB open-circuit voltage gain A_(v) that is also approximated by Equation 2 above.

FIG. 2 illustrates an amplifier circuit 201 that does not use capacitive feedback but instead includes a dedicated pair of positive-dB gain stages 206 and 208. As compared to the amplifier circuit 101A of FIG. 1A, positive-dB gain stages 206 and 208 have been added to the amplifier circuit 201. Also, each of input stages 102 and 104 of FIG. 1A have been replaced in FIG. 2 with input stages 202 and 204 that do not receive capacitive feedback and have fixed gain between their output and input that is not greater than 0 dB. Each of input stages 202 and 204 is respectively the same as high input impedance of input stages 102 and 104 of FIG. 1A, except that each respective current biasing transistor 110 has its gate connected directly to V_(REF1) but not to a capacitive feedback path, the low-pass capacitors 107 have been removed, and the capacitive feedback paths provided by feedback capacitor 108 have also been removed.

Referring again to FIG. 2, positive-dB gain stages 206 and 208 respectively receive outputs of input stages 202 and 204 and provide the voltages V_(out,p) and V_(out,n). Each of the input stages 202 and 204 and the positive-dB gain stages 206 and 208 contribute noise to the two output signals and consume current and space in the amplifier circuit 201, which reduces the performance of amplifier circuit 201 relative to amplifier circuit 101A of FIG. 1A. Additionally, when operating with an input device having an output sensitivity S_(a) that is greater than the target total system sensitivity S_(ttl) (shown in FIG. 1A), the amplifier circuit 201 does not support a configurable negative-dB gain

FIG. 3 illustrates a MEMS microphone 324 that may be used as the input device 124 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. MEMS microphone 324 is connected to an IC 302 that includes input stages 102 and 104, input terminals 116 and 118, output terminal 332, and MEMS biasing circuit 334. Output terminals 326 and 328 of MEMS microphone 324 provide the differential MEMS readout signal to input stages 102 and 104. In an embodiment, the high input impedances of input stages 102 and 104 allow the output terminals 326 and 328 of the MEMS microphone 324 to be biased in a constant-charge configuration so that a fixed charged is stored on the MEMS microphone 324.

Referring again to FIG. 3, MEMS microphone 324, which is a double back-plate MEMS device, includes a membrane 338 that is capacitively coupled to a first back-plate 340 connected to the output terminal 326 of the MEMS microphone 324. Membrane 338 is also capacitively coupled to a second back-plate 342 that is connected to output terminal 328 of the MEMS microphone 324.

MEMS microphone 324 also includes an input terminal 330 that is connected to a MEMS bias voltage V_(mic). Voltage V_(mic) is provided by output terminal 332 of IC 302, which is connected to a high-ohmic resistance stage 336 of MEMS biasing circuit 334. High-ohmic resistance stage 336 is connected to a charge pump 337 that is also included in MEMS biasing circuit 334. The voltage V_(mic) is low-pass filtered by a capacitor 339 that is also included in MEMS charging circuit 334. Capacitor 339 is connected to the output terminal 332 and to voltage V_(SS).

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment amplifier circuit 401 that includes a voltage bias circuit 406 and adjustable feedback loops providing feedback from output terminals 413 and 415. These adjustable feedback loops provide feedback to each of input stages 402 and 404 that are included in the amplifier circuit 401.

Voltage V_(out,p), which is determined by input stage 402 in accordance with voltage V_(in,p) received at input terminal 426, is provided to output terminal 413 and is also fed back to a switch 412 connected to input stage 402 and to a switch 418 connected to input stage 404. Similarly, voltage V_(out,n), which is determined by input stage 404 based on voltage V_(in,n) received at input terminal 428, is provided to output terminal 415 and is also fed back to a switch 416 connected to input stage 402 and to a switch 414 connected to input stage 404.

Voltages V_(in,p) and V_(in,n) are provided to the amplifier circuit 401 by an input device having a differential output. This input device may be, for example, the MEMS microphone 324 of FIG. 3. The outputs of switches 412 and 416 are connected to a common node connected to input stage 402 that has a voltage V_(fb,p), and the outputs of switches 414 and 418 are connected to a common node connected to input stage 404 that has a voltage V_(fb,n). Switches 412 and 416 of the amplifier circuit 401 must be alternatively closed to avoid a short circuit between output terminals 413 and 415, and switches 414 and 418 of the amplifier circuit 401 must also be alternatively closed to avoid a short circuit between output terminals 413 and 415. Thus, the open/closed state of switch 412 is the same as that of switch 414, and the open/closed state of switch 416 is the same as that of switch 418 and the opposite of that of switch 412 and 414.

In some embodiments, the input stages 402 and 404 are configured such that when switches 412 and 414 are closed and switches 416 and 418 are open, the gain of the amplifier circuit 401 is a positive dB gain, and when switches 416 and 418 are closed and switches 412 and 414 are open, the gain of the amplifier circuit 401 is a negative dB gain. In other embodiments, the situation is reversed such that when switches 412 and 414 are closed and switches 416 and 418 are open, the gain of the amplifier circuit 401 is a negative dB gain, and when switches 416 and 418 are closed and switches 412 and 414 are open, the gain of the amplifier circuit 401 is a positive dB gain.

Referring again to FIG. 4, voltage V_(fb,p) is provided from the common output node of switches 412 and 416 to a feedback capacitance bank 440 included in input stage 402, and voltage V_(fb,n) is provided from the common output node of switches 414 and 418 to another feedback capacitance bank 440 included in input stage 404. The respective capacitance C_(f) of the feedback capacitance banks 440 is configurable, resulting in a configurable gain supporting both positive-dB and negative-dB gain for amplifier circuit 401. For a positive-dB gain configuration, adjusting the capacitance C_(f) would adjust the gain according to Equations 1 and 2 above, and for a negative-dB gain configuration, adjusting the capacitance C_(f) would adjust the attenuation according to Equations 2 and 3 above.

Voltage bias circuit 406 provides a set of multiple reference voltages that are used to bias both the input stages 402 and 404. Voltage bias circuit 406 determines this set of reference voltages based on inputs that include adjustable bias currents I_(bias,1) and I_(bias,2), a voltage V_(REF) (which is implemented as an adjustable voltage in amplifier circuit 401), and high and low DC rail voltages V_(DD) and V_(SS). These high and low DC rail voltages V_(DD) and V_(SS) are also provided to input stages 402 and 404. Input terminals 426 and 428 are also each connected to a respective high-ohmic resistance stage 422 that is connected to voltage V_(REF) _(_) _(OUT), which is provided by the voltage bias circuit 406 in accordance with voltage V_(REF).

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment SSF stage 502A that may be used as either one of the input stages 402 or 404 of FIG. 4. SSF stage 502A receives an input voltage V_(in,half) and provides an output signal having a voltage V_(out,half) and a current I_(out,half). In an embodiment, a first SSF stage 502A is used as the input stage 402 (shown in FIG. 4), where the voltages V_(in,half), V_(out,half), and V_(fb,half) of this first SSF stage 502A are respectively the voltages V_(in,p), V_(out,p), and V_(fb,p), and a second identical SSF stage 502A is used as the input stage 404 (also shown in FIG. 4), where the voltages V_(in,half), V_(out,half), and V_(fb,half) of this second SSF stage 502A are respectively the voltages V_(in,n), V_(out,n), and V_(fb,n). In such an embodiment, when switches 412 and 414 of FIG. 4 are closed, the amplifier circuit 401 of FIG. 4 is capable of providing a positive-dB gain relative to an amplifier circuit that uses input stage 502C of FIG. 5C, which lacks capacitive feedback. Additionally, in such an embodiment, when switches 416 and 418 of FIG. 4 are closed, the amplifier circuit 401 is capable of providing a negative-dB gain relative to an amplifier circuit that uses input stage 502C of FIG. 5C, which lacks capacitive feedback.

SSF stage 502A has an open-circuit voltage gain that is approximated by Equation 2 above, where gm_(sf) is the transconductance of source follower transistor 504 of SSF stage 502A, and gm_(s) is the transconductance of current biasing transistor 526N of SSF stage 502A. When configured for positive-dB gain, SSF stage 502A has a capacitive feedback coefficient that has a positive sign, according to Equation 1 above. When configured for negative-dB gain, SSF stage 502A has a capacitive feedback coefficient that has a negative sign, according to Equation 3 above.

SSF stage 502A includes an SSF feedback loop 509A and an AB mode feedback loop 511. SSF feedback loop 509A includes the source follower transistor 504, which in the embodiment of FIG. 5A is a PMOS transistor coupled to a load at its source. The SSF stage 502A provides an output current I_(out,half) and an output voltage V_(out,half) to the load. The gate of source follower transistor 504 is connected to the input of the SSF stage 502A to receive the input voltage V_(in,half).

AB mode feedback loop 511 includes a transistor 533 that enables the SSF stage 502A to operate in class AB mode to support load current sinking. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, this transistor 533 is an NMOS transistor having its drain coupled to the source of the source follower transistor 504 and to the output of the SSF stage 502A. Transistor 533 has its source coupled to the low-side rail voltage V_(SS). Transistor 533 is controlled by an AB mode feedback loop that feeds back the output voltage V_(out,half) from the output of SSF stage 502A to the input of an AB loop control stage 536. This AB loop control stage 536 also is connected to the low-end rail voltage V_(SS) and receives AB loop bias voltages V_(ab1), V_(ab2), and V_(ab3) from the voltage bias circuit 406 (shown in FIG. 4). The AB loop control stage provides a control voltage to the gate of transistor 533 to control the current through transistor 533 and thus to control the load sinking current −I_(out,half) of SSF stage 502A. This load sinking current −I_(out,half) would otherwise be limited by the sum of the biasing currents of transistor 526N and transistor 528, but the AB loop may force transistor 533 to increase this load sinking current without increasing the static current consumption of SSF stage 502A.

The drains of transistors 528 and 526N are connected to each other at a common drain node that is also connected to the drain of source follower transistor 504. The sources of transistors 528 and 526N are both connected to low-end rail voltage V_(SS). The gates of transistors 528 and 526N are coupled to each other via a high-ohmic resistance stage 532. In some embodiments, resistance stage 532 may have a resistance on the order of, e.g., hundreds of giga-ohms and may include switchable diodes and/or transistors to allow current to be conducted only when the difference in voltage across the high-ohmic resistance stage 532 exceeds a pre-determined threshold.

Referring again to FIG. 5A, transistor 528, which receives a biasing voltage V_(gn3) from voltage bias circuit 406 at its gate, provides additional biasing current to source follower transistor 504 that is essentially constant despite varying levels of the feedback controlled current through transistor 526N. This biasing current is provided by transistor 528 to avoid the condition in which the source follower transistor 504 has no biasing current.

The feedback voltage V_(fb,half) is fed back through feedback capacitance bank 440 to the gate of transistor 526N to change the current through transistor 526N. SSF feedback loop 509A also includes a loop around the source follower transistor 504 that is formed by n-channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS) transistors 524 and 510 connected in series between the gate of transistor 508 and the common drain node of transistors 528 and 526N. The gates of transistor 524 and cascode transistor 510 are coupled to the voltage bias circuit 406 to respectively receive bias voltages of V_(gn2) and V_(gn1). The gate of transistor 508 is also connected to the drain of PMOS cascode transistor 506, which has its source connected to the drain of PMOS transistor 505, which in turn has its source connected to high-end rail voltage V_(DD). The source of transistor 508 is also connected to voltage V_(DD), and the drain of transistor 508 is connected to the source of source follower transistor 504, to the body of source follower transistor 504, and to the output of the SSF stage 502A. The gate of transistor 506 is connected to a bias voltage V_(gp1), and the gate of transistor 505 is connected to a bias voltage V_(gp2). The gate of transistor 508 is also connected to an output of an SSF stability compensation stage 538. The output voltage V_(out,half) is fed back as an input to the SSF stability compensation stage 538.

Collectively, transistors 505, 506, 510, 524, 526N, and 528, and SSF stability compensation stage 538 provide a control voltage at the gate of transistor 508. This gate voltage controls transistor 508 to keep the current through the source follower transistor 504 essentially constant despite varying current I_(out,half) provided to the load, thus resulting in a low output impedance for the SSF stage 502A.

Relative to input stages 102 and 104 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, which have a simple source follower topology, the more complex SSF stage 502A may allow decreased output impedance and improved power supply rejection and driving capability, while minimizing any increase in current consumption and noise contribution. For example, when no signal is fed back by the capacitive network 440, i.e. C_(f)=0, transistor 526N works as a constant current source and the SSF feedback loop 509A drives the gate of transistor 508 in order to maintain a constant current through the source follower device 504 despite the current required by the load. Under such conditions, as V_(in,half) respectively increases or decreases at the gate of source follower transistor 504, the current of source follower transistor 504 cannot increase or decrease, and thus the output voltage V_(out,half) at the source of source follower transistor 504 increases or decreases such that the previous source-to-gate voltage of source follower transistor 504 is maintained. In another example, when C_(f)≠0, the current of transistor 526N varies proportionally to V_(fb,half), and therefore the current of the source follower device 504 is forced to follow the varying biasing current of transistor 526N. Under these conditions, the gate to source voltage of the source follower transistor 504 does not stay constant but instead tracks the current behavior. Depending on the phase of V_(fb,half), which is coupled to one of the two differential outputs, this current variation can have same or opposite phase compared to signal V_(in,half). In the case where the current variation through transistor 526N has the same phase relative to the input signal V_(in,half), voltage amplification is obtained at the source of the source follower transistor 504 relative to its gate, which are an output and an input of the SSF stage 502A, respectively. In the opposite case where the current variation through transistor 526N has the opposite phase relative to the input signal V_(in,half), voltage attenuation is obtained. Amplification or attenuation through SSF stage 502A is thus proportional to the amplitude of the current variation of the current source 526N.

The feedback capacitance bank 440, which has a total capacitance C_(f), includes a capacitance 522 in series with a switch 516, a capacitance 518 in series with a switch 512, and a capacitance 520 in series with a switch 514. Each of these capacitance-switch pairs are connected between the feedback voltage V_(fb,half) and the gate of transistor 526N. The gate of transistor 526N is also connected to a capacitance bank 530 having a capacitance of C_(p). This capacitance bank 530 is connected between the gate of transistor 526N and voltage V_(SS). By selectively closing one or more of switches 516, 512, and 514, the capacitance C_(f) of feedback capacitance bank 440 may be trimmed to provide a configurable gain or attenuation for the amplifier circuit 401 (shown in FIG. 4), depending on the open/closed state of switches 412, 414, 416, and 418 of FIG. 4.

The feedback capacitance bank 440 also includes switches 534, 535, and 537, which are each coupled between voltage V_(SS) and, respectively, the junctions of the capacitance-switch pairs 522-516, 518-512, and 520-514. By opening all the switches 516, 512, and 514 and closing all the switches 534, 535, and 537, a non-feedback configuration is provided for the amplifier circuit 401 (shown in FIG. 4). The common node between switches 516 and 534 must be connected either to V_(fb,half) or V_(SS), hence, the switches need to be alternatively closed. The same is true for the common nodes between 512 and 535, 514 and 537.

FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative embodiment SSF stage 502B that may be used as either of the input stages 402 or 404 of FIG. 4. SSF stage 502B of FIG. 5B differs from SSF stage 502A of FIG. 5A in that feedback-controlled NMOS current biasing transistor 526N has been replaced with feedback-controlled PMOS current biasing transistor 526P, which is relocated to the PMOS section of SSF stage 502B in the upper part of the SSF feedback loop 509B, but which still has its gate connected to the junction of feedback capacitance bank 440 and capacitance bank 530.

In the SSF feedback loop 509B of FIG. 5B, the source of current biasing transistor 526P is also connected to voltage V_(DD) instead of to transistor 528, and the drain of current biasing transistor 526P is connected to the drain of transistor 505 and the gate of current source transistor 508 instead of to voltage V_(SS). Transistor 506 has also been removed, and the drain of transistor 505 has been connected directly to the gate of transistor 508. The high-ohmic resistance stage 532 has also been relocated to the upper PMOS section of SSF stage 502B, where it is connected between the gates of current biasing transistor 526P and transistor 505.

In SSF feedback loop 509B, the current through current biasing transistor 526P varies in accordance with the configurable capacitance of the feedback capacitance bank 440, and thus the gain or attenuation varies in accordance with this feedback capacitance. In an embodiment, a first SSF stage 502B is used as the input stage 402 (shown in FIG. 4), where the voltages V_(in,half), V_(out,half), and V_(fb,half) of this first SSF stage 502B are respectively the voltages V_(in,p), V_(out,p), and V_(fb,p), and a second identical SSF stage 502B is used as the input stage 404 (also shown in FIG. 4), where the voltages V_(in,half), V_(out,half), and V_(fb,balf) of this second SSF stage 502B are respectively the voltages V_(in,n), V_(out,n), and V_(fb,n). In such an embodiment, when switches 412 and 414 of FIG. 4 are closed, the amplifier circuit 401 of FIG. 4 is capable of providing a negative-dB gain relative to an amplifier circuit that uses input stage 502D of FIG. 5D, which lacks capacitive feedback. Additionally, in such an embodiment when switches 416 and 418 of FIG. 4 are closed, the amplifier circuit 401 is capable of providing a positive-dB gain relative to an amplifier circuit that uses input stage 502D of FIG. 5D, which lacks capacitive feedback.

SSF stage 502B has an open-circuit voltage gain that is approximated by Equation 2 above, where gm_(sf) is the transconductance of source follower transistor 504, and gm_(s) is the transconductance of current biasing transistor 526P of SSF stage 502B. When configured for positive-dB gain, SSF stage 502B has a capacitive feedback coefficient with a positive sign, according to Equation 1 above. When configured for negative-dB gain, SSF stage 502B has a capacitive feedback coefficient with a negative sign, according to Equation 3 above.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the AB loop control stage 536 of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. The AB loop control stage 536, which includes a stability compensation stage 602, a PMOS transistor 621, and NMOS transistors 624 and 628, controls the gate of AB loop transistor 533.

The AB loop control stage 536 receives voltage V_(ab1), V_(ab2), and V_(ab3) from the voltage bias circuit 406. Voltage V_(ab1) is received at the gate of transistor 628, voltage V_(ab2) is received at the gate of transistor 624, and Voltage V_(ab3) is received at the gate of transistor 621.

The drain of transistor 628 is coupled to the drain of transistor 621, to the stability compensation stage 602, and to the gate of transistor 533 of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. The source of transistor 628 is connected to voltage V_(SS). The voltage V_(gp3) of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B is provided at the source of transistor 621, and the drain of transistor 624 is connected to voltage V_(DD).

The stability compensation stage 602 includes terminals 617 and 618, resistors 640 and 642, capacitance 620, and bypass switch 616. The stability compensation stage 602 is a Miller compensation stage that provides feedback from the output voltage V_(out,half) to ensure sufficient phase margin for the AB loop.

Voltage V_(out,half) is received at terminal 618 of the stability compensation stage 602, which is connected to an input of capacitor 620. Capacitor 620 and resistors 640 and 642 are connected in series from the terminal 618 to terminal 617 of stability compensation stage 602, which is connected to the source of transistor 624. A bypass switch 616 connected in parallel with resistor 640 may be configured to bypass resistor 640 when the amplifier circuit 401 (shown in FIG. 4) is in low-power mode.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the SSF loop stability compensation stage 538 of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. SSF loop stability compensation stage 538 includes the stability compensation stage 602 of FIG. 6 that has been implemented as two separate stability compensation stages 602A and 602B, which are both connected to rail voltage V_(SS). The SSF loop stability compensation stage 538 feeds back a stability compensation signal to stabilize the SSF feedback loop 509A of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B.

The SSF loop stability compensation stage 538 receives the output voltage V_(out,half) at terminal 618 of stability compensation stage 602B. Terminal 617 of stability compensation stage 602B is coupled at a common node to terminal 617 of stability compensation stage 602A. Terminal 618 of stability compensation stage 602A is coupled to voltage V_(DD). The common node of stability compensation stages 602A has the voltage V_(gp3).

FIG. 8 shows a voltage bias circuit 800 that may be used as the voltage bias circuit 406 of FIG. 4. Voltage bias circuit 800 provides output voltages V_(ab1), V_(ab2), V_(ab3), V_(gn3), V_(gn2), V_(gn1), V_(gp1), and V_(gp2). Voltage bias circuit 800 receives voltage V_(REF) at the source of a diode connected PMOS transistor 866 that has a gate to drain connection and also a bulk to source connection. PMOS transistor 866 is biased with a current source formed by transistors 860 and cascode transistor 844. The DC level at the gate to drain connection of transistor 866 is, therefore, V_(REF)−V_(th,866), where V_(th,866) is the threshold voltage of transistor 866. The gate and drain of transistor 866 are then connected to one of the high-ohmic resistance stages 422 of FIG. 4. In embodiments in which each of the input stages 402 and 404 of FIG. 4 are implemented using a source follower device (e.g., transistor 504 of FIGS. 5A-5D), the DC output level of input stages 402 and 404 is V_(REF)−V_(th,866)+V_(th,SF), where V_(th,SF) is the threshold voltage of the source follower device. In an embodiment, the two threshold voltages V_(th,866) and V_(th,SF) are configured to be equal; hence the DC output level of input stages 402 and 404 is equal to the compensated reference voltage V_(REF).

The source of transistor 844 is coupled to the drain of an NMOS transistor 860. The gate of transistor 844 is coupled to the drain of and to the gate of an NMOS transistor 834 and to the respective gate of each of additional NMOS transistors 852, 826, 846, 836, and 838. The gate of transistor 860 is coupled to the drain of transistor 826 and to the respective gate of each of NMOS transistors 854, 862, 856, and 858. The sources of transistors 834, 826, 844, 846, 836, and 838 are respectively coupled to the drains of transistors 852, 854, 860, 862, 856, and 858. The sources of transistors 852, 854, 860, 862, 856, and 858 are coupled to voltage V_(SS). Current I_(bias,1) is provided to the junction of the drain of transistor 826 and the gate of transistor 854. Current I_(bias,2) is provided to the junction of the drain and gate of transistor 834.

The drain of transistor 846 is coupled to the drain of and gate of a PMOS transistor 822. The drain of transistor 836 is coupled to the drain of and gate of a PMOS transistor 812 and to the respective gate of each of additional PMOS transistors 802, 818, 820, 814, and 816. The drain of transistor 838 is coupled to the drain of transistor 818 and to the respective gates of each of additional PMOS transistors 804, 806, 808, and 810. The source of transistor 822 is connected to the drain and gate of PMOS transistor 864. The sources of transistors 812, 818, 820, 814, and 816 are respectively coupled to the drains of transistors 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810. The sources of transistors 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 884 are coupled to voltage V_(DD). The drain of transistor 820 is coupled to the drain and gate of NMOS transistor 828. The source of transistor 828 is coupled to the drain and gate of NMOS transistor 840.

The drain of transistor 814 is coupled to the drain and gate of NMOS transistor 824. The source of transistor 824 is coupled to the drain and gate of NMOS transistor 830, to the gate of NMOS transistor 842, and the gate of NMOS transistor 850. The source of transistor 830 is coupled to the drain of transistor 842, and the source of transistor 842 is coupled to the drain of transistor 850. The drain of transistor 816 is coupled to the drain of NMOS transistor 833 and to the gate of NMOS transistor 848. The source of transistor 833 is coupled to the drain of transistor 848. The sources of transistors 840, 850, and 848 are coupled to voltage V_(SS).

Voltage V_(gp2) is provided at the drain of transistor 818, and voltage V_(gp1) is provided at the drain of transistor 812. Voltage V_(gn1) is provided at the drain of transistor 824, voltage V_(gn2) is provided at the drain of transistor 830, and voltage V_(gn3) is provided at the drain of transistor 833. Voltage V_(ab3) is provided at the drain of transistor 822, voltage V_(ab2) is provided at the drain of transistor 828, and voltage V_(ab1) is provided at the drain of transistor 826.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 900 for providing a capacitive feedback. In the method 900, an amplifier circuit having a source follower or SSF topology is enhanced with a capacitive feedback in order to have a configurable gain that may be either a positive-dB gain or a negative-dB gain relative to an amplifier without the capacitive feedback.

The method 900 begins at step 902. At step 904, a desired gain level is calculated based on an output sensitivity S_(a) of an input device that is connected to the amplifier circuit, such that a specified output sensitivity S_(OUT) of the overall system output signal may be achieved with minimal excess gain. At step 906, a first and second feedback capacitance bank are both configured with a capacitance that provides the desired gain level. The first feedback capacitance bank is included in a first subcircuit of the amplifier circuit, and the second feedback capacitance bank is included in a second subcircuit of the amplifier circuit. At step 908, a first one of the differential output signals of the amplifier circuit is fed back to the first feedback capacitance bank and the other differential output signal is fed back to the second feedback capacitance bank. The selection of which of the positive and negative differential output signals is fed back to each feedback capacitance bank is based on whether the desired gain level is a positive-dB gain or an attenuation relative to a non-feedback gain level of an amplifier without capacitive feedback. At step 910, a scaled version of the first differential output signal is provided from the first feedback capacitance bank to a gate of a first current biasing transistor that is included in the first subcircuit, and a scaled version of the second differential output is fed back from the second feedback capacitance bank to a gate of a second current biasing transistor that is included in the second subcircuit. Each of these current biasing transistors controls current that flows through transistors of the respective subcircuit, these transistors including a respective source follower transistor. The configurable gain or attenuation varies in accordance with the amplitude of the variation of the current through the current biasing transistor. The method 900 ends at step 912.

FIG. 10 illustrates several AC differential transfer curves for the SSF stage 502A at different configurations of the feedback capacitance bank 440 when the SSF stage 502A is used in normal power mode as the input stages 402 and 404 of amplifier circuit 401. The differential gain is plotted against input signal frequency for each of eight different configurations of the low-pass capacitance C_(p) and the feedback capacitance C_(f), which are both on the order of picofarads (pF). The value of the differential gain for each of these configurations is also provided in Table I below:

TABLE I Differential Gain at 1 kHz for Eight Different Configurations Gain at 1 kHz Configuration No. C_(p) C_(f) (Normal Power) 0   7 pF   0 pF −0.12 dB 1 5.5 pF 1.5 pF −0.51 dB 2   4 pF   3 pF −0.98 dB 3 2.5 pF 4.5 pF −1.42 dB 4 5.5 pF 1.5 pF  0.51 dB 5   4 pF   3 pF  1.07 dB 6 2.5 pF 4.5 pF  1.67 dB 7   1 pF   6 pF  2.32 dB

The dashed curve in FIG. 10 is the non-feedback configuration (C_(f)=0 pF) obtained with all the switches 516, 512 and 514 (shown in FIG. 5A) open and all the switches 534,535 and 537 closed. The four solid curves above the dashed curve are obtained with switches 412 and 414 closed. The three dotted curves below the dashed curve were obtained with switches 416 and 418 closed.

FIG. 11 illustrates the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) as a function of the gain configuration of an ASIC that implements the amplifier circuit 401 using the SSF stage 502A as the input stages 402 and 404. The plot of FIG. 11 shows that the ASIC SNR does not depend on the selected gain. Thus, in embodiments where the amplifier circuit 401 is used in an amplification system having a specified output sensitivity and where the input device is, for example, a MEMS microphone, the appropriate gain configuration may be chosen in accordance with the MEMS sensitivity.

FIG. 12 shows the simulated ASIC Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) over Sound Pressure Level (SPL) for different gain configurations for an embodiment ASIC implementing the amplifier circuit 401 in an amplification system for the MEMS microphone 324 where the SSF stage 502A is used as the input stages 402 and 404. The THD is measured at the differential output terminals 413 and 415 of amplifier circuit 401, and the SPL is measured at the differential input of amplifier 401. The differential output sensitivity is set to −38 dBV-rms for an input of 94 dB-SPL (which corresponds to 1 Pascal-rms (Pa-rms)) by changing the differential amplitude at the input of amplifier 401. The lowest gain configuration is indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 12 and the highest gain configuration is indicated by the dotted line. Even though these lowest and highest gain configurations have the worst linearity, the highest gain configuration still has an acceptable THD of approximately 0.6% THD at 130 dB-SPL, and the lowest gain configuration has an even lower THD of approximately 0.45% THD at 130 dB-SPL.

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention have the advantage of providing not only positive-dB gain but also attenuation. In some embodiments, a feedback path with adjustable capacitance is provided from an amplifier output to a source-follower or SSF stage to provide configurable gain or attenuation. In some embodiments, a configurable gain is provided to overcome reduced microphone sensitivity due to the limitations of a smaller package size for a MEMS microphone. In some embodiments, an amplifier having a configurable gain or attenuation allows sensors in a sensor read-out system to operate at low voltage supplies, with low noise and low power consumption, while also showing good linearity even when high input signals are applied.

The following additional example embodiments of the present invention are also provided. In accordance with a first example embodiment of the present invention, a method for signal read-out is provided. The method includes receiving, by an amplifier circuit, a positive differential input signal at a first subcircuit of the amplifier circuit, where the first subcircuit includes a source follower transistor. The method also includes receiving, by the amplifier circuit, a negative differential input signal at a second subcircuit of the amplifier circuit, where the second subcircuit includes a source follower transistor. The method also includes receiving a pair of output signals at a pair of output terminals of the amplifier circuit, where the pair of output signals includes an output signal of the first subcircuit and an output signal of the second subcircuit. The method also includes transmitting one of the pair of output signals as a first feedback signal to a capacitive feedback circuit of the first subcircuit and transmitting one of the pair of output signals as a second feedback signal to a capacitive feedback circuit of the second subcircuit. The first feedback signal is distinct from the second feedback signal.

Also, the foregoing first example embodiment may be implemented to include one or more of the following additional features. The method may also be implemented further to include determining a target voltage transfer ratio of the amplifier circuit in accordance with a sensitivity of an external input device and in accordance with a target output sensitivity of a signal read-out for the external input device. The method may also include adjusting a capacitance of the capacitive feedback circuit of the first subcircuit in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio, and adjusting a capacitance of a capacitive feedback circuit of the second subcircuit in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio. The method may also include selecting, in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio, the first feedback signal from the pair of output signals, and selecting, in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio, the second feedback signal from the pair of output signals.

The method may also be implemented such that transmitting the first feedback signal includes determining a non-feedback voltage transfer ratio, comparing the target voltage transfer ratio to the non-feedback voltage transfer ratio, and selecting, when the target voltage transfer ratio is greater than the non-feedback voltage transfer ratio, the output signal of the first subcircuit as the first feedback signal.

The method may also be implemented such that each of the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit further includes a Super Source Follower (SSF) stage that includes the source follower transistor. The method may also be implemented such that each of the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit further includes a current bias transistor having a gate coupled to an output of the capacitive feedback circuit, and a feedback node coupled to an input of the capacitive feedback circuit. The method may also be implemented such that a configurable voltage transfer ratio of each of the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit varies in accordance with an amplitude of a current variation through the current bias transistor.

The method may also be implemented such that the positive differential input signal and the negative differential input signal are generated as differential outputs of an external Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) device. The method may also be implemented such that the external MEMS device includes an external microphone, where the external microphone includes a membrane capacitively coupled to a pair of back-plates, and the differential outputs of the external mems device are generated at the pair of back-plates.

In accordance with a second example embodiment of the present invention, an amplifier circuit is provided. The amplifier circuit includes a pair of subcircuits that includes a first subcircuit and a second subcircuit, each of which includes a buffer amplifier and a feedback circuit that includes a feedback capacitor. The amplifier circuit also includes a pair of output terminals. The first subcircuit and the second subcircuit each generate a different output signal of a pair of output signals. The pair of output signals includes a first output signal and a second output signal. The amplifier circuit is configured for receiving a positive differential input signal at the first subcircuit, receiving a negative differential input signal at the second subcircuit, and receiving the pair of output signals. The amplifier circuit is also configured for transmitting the first output signal to the feedback circuit of the first subcircuit, and transmitting the second output signal to the feedback circuit of the second subcircuit.

Also, the foregoing second example embodiment may be implemented to include one or more of the following additional features. The amplifier circuit may also be implemented such that the amplifier circuit is further configured to adjust, in accordance with a target voltage transfer ratio, a capacitance of the feedback circuit of each of the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit, and to select, in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio, the first output signal from a pair of output signals that includes an output of the first subcircuit and an output of the second subcircuit. The amplifier circuit may also be configured to select, in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio, the second output signal from the pair of output signals, such that the second output signal is distinct from the first output signal.

The amplifier circuit may also be implemented such that the positive differential input signal and the negative differential input signal are generated as differential outputs of an external Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) device. The amplifier circuit may also be implemented such that the external MEMS device includes an external microphone, where the external microphone includes a membrane capacitively coupled to a pair of back-plates, and the differential outputs of the external MEMS device are generated at the pair of back-plates.

The amplifier circuit may also be implemented such that each of the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit further includes a Super Source Follower (SSF) stage. The SSF stage may also include the buffer amplifier.

The amplifier circuit may also be implemented such that each of the pair of subcircuits further includes a current bias circuit coupled in series with the buffer amplifier, the current bias circuit to include a current bias transistor having a gate coupled to an output of the feedback circuit. The method may also be implemented such that each of the pair of subcircuits further includes a subcircuit input node coupled to a gate of the buffer amplifier, a subcircuit output node, and a feedback node coupled to an input of the feedback circuit. The amplifier circuit may also be implemented such that a positive input terminal of the amplifier circuit is coupled to the subcircuit input node of the first subcircuit, a negative input terminal of the amplifier circuit is coupled to the subcircuit input node of the second subcircuit, a first output terminal is coupled to the subcircuit output node of the first subcircuit, and a second output terminal is coupled to the subcircuit output node of the second subcircuit.

The amplifier circuit may also be implemented such that a configurable voltage transfer ratio of each of the pair of subcircuits varies in accordance with an amplitude of a current variation through the current bias transistor. The amplifier circuit may also be implemented such that the current bias circuit further includes a current source transistor coupled in series with the buffer amplifier, the current source transistor to include a gate coupled to an input of the current bias circuit. The current bias circuit may also further include a plurality of cascode transistors coupled to the gate of the current source transistor and coupled in series with the current bias transistor.

The amplifier circuit may also include a voltage bias circuit configured to provide a plurality of bias voltages, including a first bias voltage, a second bias voltage, and a third bias voltage. The amplifier circuit may also be implemented such that the first bias voltage is coupled to the positive input terminal and to the negative input terminal. The amplifier circuit may also be implements such that the plurality of cascode transistors includes a p-channel cascode transistor coupled in series with the gate of the current source transistor, the p-channel cascode transistor to include a gate coupled to the second bias voltage. The plurality of cascode transistors may also include an n-channel cascode transistor coupled in series with the p-channel cascode transistor and with the gate of the current source transistor, the n-channel cascode transistor to include a gate coupled to the third bias voltage.

The amplifier circuit may also be implemented such that the feedback circuit of each of the pair of subcircuits includes a plurality of feedback capacitors and a plurality of switches coupled to the feedback node and to the plurality of feedback capacitors. The amplifier circuit may also be implemented such that the current bias transistor of each of the pair of subcircuits includes a p-channel transistor.

In accordance with a third example embodiment of the present invention, an amplifier system is provided. The amplifier system includes a pair of subcircuits, each of which includes a buffer amplifier, a feedback circuit that includes a feedback capacitor, and a current bias circuit coupled in series with the buffer amplifier. The current bias circuit includes a current bias transistor having a gate coupled to an output of the feedback circuit. The amplifier system also includes an input node coupled to a gate of the buffer amplifier, an output node, and a feedback node coupled to an input of the feedback circuit. The amplifier circuit also includes a positive differential input terminal coupled to the input node of a first subcircuit of the pair of subcircuits, a negative differential input terminal coupled to the input node of a second subcircuit of the pair of subcircuits, and a pair of output terminals. The pair of output terminals includes a first output terminal and a second output terminal. The feedback node of each of the pair of subcircuits is coupled to a different one of the pair of output terminals. The first output terminal is coupled to the output node of the first subcircuit, and the second output terminal is coupled to the output node of the second subcircuit.

Also, the foregoing third example embodiment may be implemented to include one or more of the following additional features. The amplifier system may also be implemented such that the positive differential input terminal and the negative differential input terminal are coupled to differential output terminals of an external Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) device. The amplifier system may also be implemented such that the external MEMS device includes an external microphone, where the external microphone includes a membrane capacitively coupled to a pair of back-plates, and the differential output terminals of the external MEMS device are coupled to the pair of back-plates.

The amplifier system may also be implemented such that the current bias circuit further includes a current source transistor coupled in series with the buffer amplifier, the current source transistor to include a gate coupled to the input of the current bias circuit. The current bias circuit may also include a plurality of cascode transistors coupled to the gate of the current source transistor and coupled in series with the current bias transistor. The amplifier system may also include a voltage bias circuit configured to provide a plurality of bias voltages that includes a first bias voltage, a second bias voltage, and a third bias voltage.

The amplifier system may also be implemented such that the first bias voltage is coupled to the positive differential input terminal and to the negative differential input terminal, and the plurality of cascode transistors includes a p-channel cascode transistor coupled in series with the gate of the current source transistor. The p-channel cascode transistor may also include a gate coupled to the second bias voltage. The plurality of cascode transistors may also include an n-channel cascode transistor coupled in series with the p-channel cascode transistor and with the gate of the current source transistor, the n-channel cascode transistor to include a gate coupled to the third bias voltage. The amplifier system may also be implemented such that a capacitance of the feedback circuit of each of the pair of subcircuits is adjustable, and the feedback capacitor of each of the pair of subcircuits includes a plurality of feedback capacitors.

The amplifier system may also be implemented such that the feedback circuit of each of the pair of subcircuits further includes a plurality of switches coupled to the feedback node and to the plurality of feedback capacitors. The amplifier system may also be implemented such that a configurable voltage transfer ratio of each of the pair of subcircuits varies in accordance with an amplitude of a current variation through the current bias transistor. The amplifier may also be implemented such that the current bias transistor of each of the pair of subcircuits includes a p-channel transistor.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments. 

1. A method for signal read-out comprising: receiving, by an amplifier circuit, a positive differential input signal at a first subcircuit of the amplifier circuit, the first subcircuit comprising a source follower transistor; receiving, by the amplifier circuit, a negative differential input signal at a second subcircuit of the amplifier circuit, the second subcircuit comprising a source follower transistor; receiving a pair of output signals at a pair of output terminals of the amplifier circuit, the pair of output signals comprising an output signal of the first subcircuit and an output signal of the second subcircuit; transmitting one of the pair of output signals as a first feedback signal to a capacitive feedback circuit of the first subcircuit; and transmitting one of the pair of output signals as a second feedback signal to a capacitive feedback circuit of the second subcircuit, wherein the first feedback signal is distinct from the second feedback signal.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a target voltage transfer ratio of the amplifier circuit in accordance with a sensitivity of an external input device and in accordance with a target output sensitivity of a signal read-out for the external input device; adjusting a capacitance of the capacitive feedback circuit of the first subcircuit in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio; and adjusting a capacitance of a capacitive feedback circuit of the second subcircuit in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: selecting, in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio, the first feedback signal from the pair of output signals; and selecting, in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio, the second feedback signal from the pair of output signals.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein: the transmitting the first feedback signal comprises: determining a non-feedback voltage transfer ratio; comparing the target voltage transfer ratio to the non-feedback voltage transfer ratio; and selecting, when the target voltage transfer ratio is greater than the non-feedback voltage transfer ratio, the output signal of the first subcircuit as the first feedback signal.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit further comprises a super source follower (SSF) stage comprising the source follower transistor.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit further comprises: a current bias transistor comprising a gate coupled to an output of the capacitive feedback circuit; and a feedback node coupled to an input of the capacitive feedback circuit.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein a configurable voltage transfer ratio of each of the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit varies in accordance with an amplitude of a current variation through the current bias transistor.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the positive differential input signal and the negative differential input signal are generated as differential outputs of an external micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein: the external MEMS device comprises an external microphone, the external microphone comprising a membrane capacitively coupled to a pair of back-plates; and the differential outputs of the external MEMS device are generated at the pair of back-plates.
 10. An amplifier circuit comprising: a pair of subcircuits comprising a first subcircuit and a second subcircuit, each comprising: a buffer amplifier; and a feedback circuit comprising a feedback capacitor; and a pair of output terminals, wherein: the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit each generate a different output signal of a pair of output signals; the pair of output signals comprises a first output signal and a second output signal; and the amplifier circuit is configured for receiving a positive differential input signal at the first subcircuit, receiving a negative differential input signal at the second subcircuit, receiving the pair of output signals at the pair of output terminals, transmitting the first output signal to the feedback circuit of the first subcircuit, and transmitting the second output signal to the feedback circuit of the second subcircuit.
 11. The amplifier circuit of claim 10, wherein the amplifier circuit is further configured to: adjust, in accordance with a target voltage transfer ratio, a capacitance of the feedback circuit of each of the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit; select, in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio, the first output signal from a pair of output signals comprising an output of the first subcircuit and an output of the second subcircuit; and select, in accordance with the target voltage transfer ratio, the second output signal from the pair of output signals, wherein the second output signal is distinct from the first output signal.
 12. The amplifier circuit of claim 10, wherein the positive differential input signal and the negative differential input signal are generated as differential outputs of an external micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device.
 13. The amplifier circuit of claim 12, wherein: the external MEMS device comprises an external microphone, the external microphone comprising a membrane capacitively coupled to a pair of back-plates; and the differential outputs of the external MEMS device are generated at the pair of back-plates.
 14. The amplifier circuit of claim 10, wherein each of the first subcircuit and the second subcircuit further comprises a super source follower (SSF) stage comprising the buffer amplifier.
 15. The amplifier circuit of claim 10, wherein: each of the pair of subcircuits further comprises: a current bias circuit coupled in series with the buffer amplifier, the current bias circuit comprising a current bias transistor comprising a gate coupled to an output of the feedback circuit; a subcircuit input node coupled to a gate of the buffer amplifier; a subcircuit output node; and a feedback node coupled to an input of the feedback circuit; a positive input terminal of the amplifier circuit is coupled to the subcircuit input node of the first subcircuit; a negative input terminal of the amplifier circuit is coupled to the subcircuit input node of the second subcircuit; a first output terminal is coupled to the subcircuit output node of the first subcircuit; and a second output terminal is coupled to the subcircuit output node of the second subcircuit.
 16. The amplifier circuit of claim 15, wherein a configurable voltage transfer ratio of each of the pair of subcircuits varies in accordance with an amplitude of a current variation through the current bias transistor.
 17. The amplifier circuit of claim 16, wherein the current bias circuit further comprises: a current source transistor coupled in series with the buffer amplifier, the current source transistor comprising a gate coupled to an input of the current bias circuit; and a plurality of cascode transistors coupled to the gate of the current source transistor and coupled in series with the current bias transistor.
 18. The amplifier circuit of claim 17, further comprising: a voltage bias circuit configured to provide a plurality of bias voltages comprising a first bias voltage, a second bias voltage, and a third bias voltage, wherein: the first bias voltage is coupled to the positive input terminal and to the negative input terminal; and the plurality of cascode transistors comprises: a p-channel cascode transistor coupled in series with the gate of the current source transistor, the p-channel cascode transistor comprising a gate coupled to the second bias voltage; and a n-channel cascode transistor coupled in series with the p-channel cascode transistor and with the gate of the current source transistor, the n-channel cascode transistor comprising a gate coupled to the third bias voltage.
 19. The amplifier circuit of claim 18, wherein the feedback circuit of each of the pair of subcircuits comprises: a plurality of feedback capacitors; and a plurality of switches coupled to the feedback node and to the plurality of feedback capacitors.
 20. The amplifier circuit of claim 15, wherein the current bias transistor of each of the pair of subcircuits comprises a p-channel transistor.
 21. An amplifier system, comprising: a pair of subcircuits, each comprising: a buffer amplifier; a feedback circuit, comprising a feedback capacitor; and a current bias circuit coupled in series with the buffer amplifier, the current bias circuit comprising a current bias transistor comprising a gate coupled to an output of the feedback circuit; an input node coupled to a gate of the buffer amplifier; an output node; a feedback node coupled to an input of the feedback circuit; a positive differential input terminal coupled to the input node of a first subcircuit of the pair of subcircuits; a negative differential input terminal coupled to the input node of a second subcircuit of the pair of subcircuits; and a pair of output terminals comprising a first output terminal and a second output terminal, wherein the feedback node of each of the pair of subcircuits is coupled to a different one of the pair of output terminals, the first output terminal is coupled to the output node of the first subcircuit, and the second output terminal is coupled to the output node of the second subcircuit.
 22. The amplifier system of claim 21, wherein the positive differential input terminal and the negative differential input terminal are coupled to differential output terminals of an external micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device.
 23. The amplifier system of claim 22, wherein: the external MEMS device comprises an external microphone, the external microphone comprising a membrane capacitively coupled to a pair of back-plates; and the differential output terminals of the external MEMS device are coupled to the pair of back-plates.
 24. The amplifier system of claim 21, wherein the current bias circuit further comprises: a current source transistor coupled in series with the buffer amplifier, the current source transistor comprising a gate coupled to the input of the current bias circuit; and a plurality of cascode transistors coupled to the gate of the current source transistor and coupled in series with the current bias transistor.
 25. The amplifier system of claim 24, further comprising: a voltage bias circuit configured to provide a plurality of bias voltages comprising a first bias voltage, a second bias voltage, and a third bias voltage, wherein: the first bias voltage is coupled to the positive differential input terminal and to the negative differential input terminal; and the plurality of cascode transistors comprises a p-channel cascode transistor coupled in series with the gate of the current source transistor, the p-channel cascode transistor comprising a gate coupled to the second bias voltage, and a n-channel cascode transistor coupled in series with the p-channel cascode transistor and with the gate of the current source transistor, the n-channel cascode transistor comprising a gate coupled to the third bias voltage.
 26. The amplifier system of claim 25, wherein: a capacitance of the feedback circuit of each of the pair of subcircuits is adjustable; and the feedback capacitor of each of the pair of subcircuits comprises a plurality of feedback capacitors.
 27. The amplifier system of claim 26, wherein the feedback circuit of each of the pair of subcircuits further comprises a plurality of switches coupled to the feedback node and to the plurality of feedback capacitors.
 28. The amplifier system of claim 27, wherein a configurable voltage transfer ratio of each of the pair of subcircuits varies in accordance with an amplitude of a current variation through the current bias transistor.
 29. The amplifier system of claim 28, wherein the current bias transistor of each of the pair of subcircuits comprises a p-channel transistor.
 30. The amplifier system of claim 28, wherein the current bias transistor of each of the pair of subcircuits comprises an n-channel transistor.
 31. The amplifier circuit of claim 15, wherein the current bias transistor of each of the pair of subcircuits comprises an n-channel transistor. 